THE BOARDROOM: The strike rate of famous sons returning to coach NRL clubs

THE BOARDROOM: The strike rate of famous sons returning to coach NRL clubs

Author: Zero Tackle May 28, 2026 Duration: 40:50

From having to sack a favourite son, to considering a great of the club for the next senior coaching role, how do clubs fare when it comes to reunions with stalwarts of a past system? This week, the boys dive into some of the club champions-turned-coaches across the NRL, and how much that connection pays off. With some failing to fire as coaches after stellar playing careers, and others currently in the hot seat after returning to their former clubs, the modern era coaching landscape has presented plenty of case studies. Plus, Hoffy names the current assistant could who could be the next senior coach of a club they captained, and the boys also chat the thrilling opener to the 2026 Origin series.

Hosted by NRL premiership players Ryan Hoffman and Chad Townsend, The Boardroom NRL Podcast takes a wide lens look at the state of rugby league, delivering big picture, no nonsense views on the NRL.

⬇️ THE AGENDA:

00:00 Welcome to the Boardroom

02:13 State of Origin Game 1 Review

11:36 Stephen Crichton

14:15 Former players coaching at clubland

16:51 What it takes to be an NRL coach

28:30 Why all coaches/players are replaceable

30:33 The importance of Old Boys

37:53 Jay Hoffman introduced into Raiders HOF

Recorded on 28/05/2026

FOLLOW Zero Tackle on social media:

NEWS: http://www.zerotackle.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/zerotackle

TW: https://twitter.com/zerotackle

IG: https://www.instagram.com/zerotackle/

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@zerotackle


For fans who live and breathe the weekly grind of the National Rugby League, the Zero Tackle NRL Podcast is your regular deep dive into the sport. This isn't just surface-level recap; it's the informed conversation you'd have with the most clued-in friend, straight from the team behind Australia's leading independent rugby league platform. Each episode unpacks the biggest stories, from on-field tactics and pivotal injuries to the contract whispers and managerial moves that shape the competition. You'll get clear-eyed analysis that separates hype from reality, alongside strong opinions that aren't afraid to challenge the mainstream narrative. It's the kind of comprehensive coverage that turns rumours into discussed topics and news into understanding, ensuring you're never just a passive spectator. Tune in to this podcast for a genuinely independent take on everything happening in the NRL, delivered with the authority and passion that comes from being fully immersed in the rugby league world every single day. Whether it's the fallout from a tight match, a controversial judiciary decision, or the long-term outlook for your club, the Zero Tackle team provides the context and insight that truly dedicated fans appreciate.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Zero Tackle NRL Podcast
Podcast Episodes
LOOSE CARRY: The Origin star who’s NO LONGER a selection certainty [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:49
Zero Tackle editor Scott Pryde joins the show for a deep dive into the situation at the St George Illawarra Dragons, while the team also break down their concerns for the Knights and Bulldogs after their own heavy losses…
THE BOARDROOM: It’s time for an NRL National Reserves competition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:00
Hoffy and Chad dive into the current state of the NRL’s junior pathways, and the challenges the league, merger clubs and the country’s best young players face within them. The boys reflect on their own experiences as jun…
LOOSE CARRY: Seibold and Manly PART WAYS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:05
Anthony Seibold's time at Manly has come to an end amidst the ongoing pressure of a constant losing side. Kieran Foran takes charge as interim coach with his new side looking to turn things around, given their horror sta…
LOOSE CARRY: The NRL injuries trend that “has got to stop” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:15
Amid an injury crisis in the NRL, Lee sheds light on the situation that has struck down a growing number of players early into the 2026 season. Penrith’s stellar start has earned more praise, with the Panthers’ defence o…
THE BOARDROOM: The solution to the NRL's biggest contract problems [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:01
Hoffy and Chad analyse the current issues with the state of the NRL’s player movement mechanisms, and whether it could be time for a dedicated trade period or draft off the back of the situations surrounding Zac Lomax an…